Thursday, April 5, 2012

Reflections on Good Friday

Jesus Christ was crucified by the Romans under the intense
pressure of the Jews. The Roman Governor Pontius Pilate, fearful of an uprising,
if Jesus was not put to death, ordered his crucifixion. The Jews had brought up
a number of charges against the social reformer. Jesus never denied them in
front of the authorities. Non-denial amounts to admission of guilt and there he
went with the cross to the Golgotha.

How can a punishment
meted out by a Roman Governor become the atonement for the sins of man? Jesus
never volunteered to die on the cross or undergo all the suffering. He was
forced by the Roman soldiers. So many had been crucified before and after. Great men like Socrates were poisoned. See how people’s imagination work! May be the
poor guiltless guy, when he was carrying the cross and being forcefully led to
the hillock evoked these sentiments in the onlookers. He must be doing that for
the sins of others. And St. Paul’s imagination did the rest. He found a divine meaning
and thus a new religion began!

Why Judas had to betray him? as per the gospel narrations, Jesus was a very popular
leader. He had done so may miracles, even given life to the dead Lazar! Thousands followed him. Still he had to be betrayed! Strange indeed.